
September 23, 2009
WOLA will grant today its 2009 Human Rights Award to the Tlachinollan Human Rights Center from Guerrero, Mexico, an award given each year to organizations or individuals who significantly contribute to the promotion of human rights in Latin America.

August 11, 2009
The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) is pleased to announce the Tlachinollan Human Rights Center from Mexico as the recipient of our 2009 Human Rights Award, an award given each year to organizations or individuals who significantly contribute to the promotion of human rights in Latin America.

April 17, 2009
The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) released a paper today that highlights the key findings of the U.S. government's most recent comprehensive analysis of cocaine availability. The new government analysis was released recently by the Obama administration's Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

April 15, 2009
The rampant drug trade and violence in Mexico and the United States’ shared responsibility for this problem will be key topics for Presidents Barack Obama and Felipe Calderon when they meet in Mexico City tomorrow. The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) calls on both leaders to discuss long-term policies that are needed to reduce the harm caused by ...

March 10, 2009
WOLA Executive Director Joy Olson testifies on the Merida Initiative before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

February 26, 2009
This week, WOLA along with the Latin America Working Group (LAWG), the Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF), and Human Rights Watch (HRW) sent a letter to the Attorney General of the Mexican State of Guerrero expressing deep concern over the kidnapping and execution of two indigenous rights leaders apparently by local police. Read more...

January 12, 2009
As President-elect Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderón meet for the first time today, the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) expresses its hope that President-elect Obama will follow through with his campaign promise to repair the United States’ relationship with Mexico.

August 13, 2008
WOLA Program Director Geoff Thale was recently interviewed on Link-TV discussing police reform in Latin America. The United States can play a positive role, he said, but there needs to be civilian oversight and a departure from the mistakes of the past. Read more...

July 22, 2008
WOLA and LAWG urge Mexican authorities to act with impartiality and autonomy in the case of the 5 members of the group OPIM in the state of Guerrero.

July 1, 2008
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee visits Colombia and Mexico this week. WOLA suggests questions for U.S. and Latin American members of the media to ask him.

June 27, 2008
The U.S. Senate has approved $400 million to help Mexico fight drug-related violence, sending the bill to President Bush for his signature. WOLA applauds the recognition that Mexico and the United States share responsibility for addressing drug trafficking and violence, but finds serious shortcoming in the plan’s specifics. Read more...

February 5, 2008
A press release on WOLA's analysis of the Bush Administration’s foreign aid request for 2009. The request calls for a dramatic increase in funding for military and police aid to Colombia and an even sharper decrease in economic and social aid. The Washington Office on Latin America believes these requests, taken together, amount to a re-militarization of the ...

November 30, 2007
WOLA Associate for Mexico and Central America, Maureen Meyer, will present her new report "At a Crossroads: Drug Trafficking, Violence and the Mexican State." Also presenting is Ana Paula Hernández, Deputy Director of the Tlachinollan Human Rights Center. She will focus on the impact of drug production and militarized counter-drug strategies on respect for human rights and local ...

November 1, 2007
WOLA and the Beckley Foundation's recently released brief on drug trafficking and violence in Mexico gives an overview of current and past drug policies implemented by the Mexican government, providing crucial background information and context to the events leading up to the $500 million security aid package recently announced by the Bush administration.

October 25, 2007
Executive Director Joy Olson testifies in Congress on Mexico and Central America security cooperation agreement.

October 23, 2007
A press release on the newly announced $550 million dollar "security cooperation initiative" for Mexico and Central America that the administration has submitted to Congress.